Christchurch, September 24, 2025 – The Tūranga Library in Christchurch hosted the opening of the exhibition Never to leave by Cuban visual artist Yosvany Martínez Pérez, in a ceremony that brought together local authorities, diplomatic representatives, and members of the Cuban and Latin community in New Zealand.
The event was attended by Pauline Cotter, Deputy Mayor of Christchurch; Chris Hay, Tūranga Library Manager; and Luis Ernesto Morejón Rodríguez, Ambassador of Cuba to New Zealand, who expressed gratitude to the city and its institutions for opening their doors to Cuban art and fostering cultural dialogue with the New Zealand public.
“On behalf of the Embassy of Cuba in Aotearoa New Zealand, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Christchurch City Council and the Tūranga Library for hosting this exhibition and incorporating it into the cultural life of the city. Thank you for allowing Cuban art to engage in dialogue with the people of Christchurch,” said the Ambassador in his opening remarks.
He also acknowledged the support of Daniel Toledo, Eduardo Conejeros, and Alexis Cruz, representatives of the Cuban and Latin community in Christchurch, whose collaboration was instrumental in making the event possible and reflects the spirit of friendship and cultural exchange that inspires this exhibition.
The inauguration carries special symbolism as it takes place just days before Cuba’s National Day of Culture (October 20), a date that commemorates the first time the Cuban national anthem was sung during the independence struggle.
In this context, “Never to Leave” invites visitors to explore Cuba’s visual memory through engravings that highlight patriotic values, architectural richness, and the spiritual heritage of Havana, a city preparing to celebrate its 506th anniversary on November 16.
“With this exhibition we invite you to approach Cuba through its symbols and its art, and to discover within them the vitality and cultural diversity that define our nation,” concluded Ambassador Morejón.
The exhibition will remain open to the public at the Tūranga Library, offering the city of Christchurch a unique opportunity to experience the sensitivity and talent of a contemporary Cuban artist.